CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Destructive types raid coast furiously, led by monarch (11) 9 Ultimately manager riles football team (7) 10 An alto sadly lacking a certain musical quality (6) 12 Policeman and doctor let loose (7) 13 Ray maybe keeps work quiet, being wet (7) 14 Working for characters in Sunderland (5) 15 Most worthless fool finally attempts to get in touch (9) 17 Footballer getting sacked had an unfortunate effect (9) 20 Stein’s original potato dish is a hit (5) 22 Run meal organised for 2 or 3, say (7) 24 Circle with peer and politician, both inadequate (7) 25 Little woman closed, having not finished, a book (6) 26 Put a hard coat on metal, front edge being lost with corrosion (7) 27 Spy dispatched, having collected odd bits of gear, etc. (6,5)

DOWN 2 Become a member again, as penitent person but no pawn (2-5) 3 Paint is something that can affect dogs badly (9) 4 Guy with a couple of females after church (5) 5 Soldier held up by fire, poor thing (7) 6 Understand what could be easier will engage learner (7) 7 Highest-quality 27 as investment in lottery (7,4) 8 Provided the last bit expected to be brought in (6) 11 Yon revolutionary has ceremony befitting right-wing politician (11) 16 Heather, full of terrible dread, is running (9) 18 Design firm wants male model (7) 19 Help to a greater extent (7) 20 A little bit in cup soon dissolving (7) 21 King with skill, taking time, missing nothing (6) 23 Most insignificant saint buried under meadow (5)